US court in Delaware affected by federal cuts

Most criminal proceedings in Delaware's U.S. District Court will be canceled on Fridays starting in May because of federal spending cuts.

Officials say that because of across-the-board spending cuts that took effect earlier this month, the U.S. District Court will hear only critical criminal cases on Fridays.

Chief U.S. District Judge Gregory Sleet says he hopes the change, scheduled to take effect in May and run through September 20, will make it easier for government agencies affected by the cuts to schedule mandatory furlough days for their employees.

Delaware Federal Defender Edson Bostic says the near-shutdown of criminal court might slow down the criminal justice system, but clients will still be represented.